The ALx Series MagnaLOAD utilizes conventional linear MOSFET-base dissipative elements, allowing the series to achieve a very wide voltage-current operating range within the model’s maximum power rating. Using the same heat management innovations developed for Magna-Power’s high density programmable DC power supplies, the ALx Series’ conservative cooling ensures long product life with continuous full power operation in environments up to 50°C ambient operating temperature.

Options

The following are standard integrated options available for the ALx Series. These can be selected for each model from the dropdown menu at the top of this page.

• EIP
• EtherNet/IP interface with EIS profile for PLCs
• GPIB
• Integrated IEEE-488 GPIB communications port, allowing the product to be fully controlled and monitored using supported commands, as well as adding some additional interface specific commands
• LXI
• Integrated TCP/IP Ethernet communications port, certified to the LXI Class C standard, allowing the product to be fully controlled and monitored using supported commands, as well as adding some additional interface specific commands

There are 27 different models in the ALx Series spanning several power levels: 1.25 kW, 2.5 kW, 5 kW, 7.5 kW, 10 kW, 12.5 kW, 15 kW, 17.5 kW and 20 kW.

Part numbers are structured using the format shown to the right.

Please click here to view a data sheet showing an overview of all available models, indicating maximum power, voltage and current.

The ALx Series uses MOSFETs for power dissipation, delivering among the industry’s widest full-power operating for its product class. The ALx Series uses MOSFETs operated in the linear region to allow full power and full control over the entire VA rating of the product.

MOSFETs are specifically selected based on their ability to operate in the linear region and have safe operating curves well below the maximum power rating when used as an electronic switch. Control circuitry for ALx Series MagnaLOADs are operated in a closed loop to linearize the response. Each MOSFET device produces a load current defined by VC/Rn. Closed loop amplifiers enable multiple MOSFETs to share load current equally.

To accommodate a variety of DC sources, all MagnaLOADs come with many configurable control modes, including:

• Voltage Mode
• Current Mode
• Power Mode
• Resistance Mode
• Shunt Regulator Mode 

Preference for DC regulation is given to the parameter in the selected mode within the programmed set-points. Using the MagnaLOAD’s set-points and trip settings, the product can configure to either trip with a fault when a limit is exceeded or to cross-over into a different regulation state.

Shunt Regulator Mode turns the MagnaLOAD into a high-speed smart braking resistor, engaging the DC input only when a specified voltage and exceeded by a user-defined percentage, while limiting the shunt current to a programmed set-point.

Beyond the front panel and computer controls, all MagnaLOADs come standard with a 25-pin D-Sub connector designated as the External User I/O. This connector provides:

• 8 Digital Outputs
• 4 Digital Inputs
• 4 Analog Outputs
• 4 Analog Inputs

All the analog-digital I/O ports are configurable, allowing the user to select which parameters they want to control and monitor. This configurable I/O scheme reduces complexity, eases PLC integration, and allows control parameters from various interfaces simultaneously. The MagnaLOAD’s configurable analog inputs provide 0-10V programming from PLCs and external D/A converters.

Magna-Power’s next generation software interface, MagnaWEB, provides intuitive and user-friendly web-browser based controls for programming and measurement read-back of the MagnaLOAD’s activity. Virtually all of the MagnaLOAD’s available functions can be controlled and monitored from the MagnaWEB software over any of product’s installed communication interfaces.

MagnaWEB uses a server-client software model to provide access to the MagnaLOAD from nearly any device and operating system. Install and run the MagnaWEB software locally on Windows then, using a web browser, access the server connected to the MagnaLOAD from a variety of devices including other desktops, tablets or smart-phones.

All MagnaLOAD DC electronic loads come with a dedicated National Instruments LabVIEW driver, Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) driver, and support for a wide range of Standard Commands for Programmable Instrumentation (SCPI).

These programming interfaces support full control, measurement, and monitoring of the MagnaLOAD. All of the MagnaLOAD’s available communication interfaces are supported by these drivers and command sets, including USB, RS-485, LXI TCP/IP Ethernet, and IEEE-488 GPIB.

As mentioned previously, Magna Power ALx loads are available with several power capacities. The chart below provides an overview of each capacity, as well as the physical size of each.

Please note, units with a power rating of 5kW or higher are floor standing.